10 of The Best Rooftop Bars in London

Top 10 Rooftop Bars in London to Experience in 2025 – London’s skyline offers a magnificent backdrop for social gatherings, romantic evenings, and celebratory occasions.

The city’s rooftop bar scene continues to evolve, with establishments constantly innovating to provide exceptional experiences that combine stunning views, creative beverages, and atmospheric environments.

When you first think of London, outdoor drinking might not jump to mind right away. Sure, the city is filled with great bars and cozy pubs, but where do you head when the weather is nice and sunny? The rooftops, naturally.

In fact, some of London’s most amazing bars are tucked away on building tops, but because of their height, you’re unlikely to just stumble across them by chance.

Hidden among London’s striking skyline, you’ll find charming terraces, beautifully kept English gardens, and trendy hangout spots that you won’t notice from street level.

Also read: Best Chinese Restaurants in London

This guide presents ten outstanding rooftop destinations that merit your attention in 2025, categorized to help you select the perfect venue based on your preferences and requirements.

Rooftop Bars in London for Luxury Sky-High Experiences

Check out our pick of London’s best rooftop bars—and hope for sunshine!

Sushisamba City

Perched on the 39th floor of the Heron Tower, Sushisamba City combines altitude with attitude in a sophisticated setting that commands attention.

• Location: 110 Bishopsgate, Heron Tower, London EC2N 4AY
• Best For: Special occasions, impressive business entertaining
• Price Range: ££££

The venue features two outdoor terraces connected by a sweeping staircase, offering 360-degree panoramic views across London’s architectural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure spectacular vistas even from indoor seating areas during inclement weather.

The bar specializes in premium spirits with a particular focus on Japanese whisky, Brazilian cachaça, and Peruvian pisco, reflecting the establishment’s fusion culinary concept.

Signature cocktails incorporate exotic ingredients such as yuzu, shiso, and passion fruit, often presented with theatrical flourishes that enhance the sensory experience.

The Orange Tree cocktail, served smoking with citrus-infused vapor, represents a particularly photogenic option.

Reservations are generally necessary, particularly for evening slots and weekend brunch, which should typically be secured 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season (May-September).

The dress code maintains a sophisticated standard, with smart casual attire recommended and athletic wear discouraged.

JOIA Rooftop

JOIA occupies a privileged position atop the Art’otel at Battersea Power Station, offering unparalleled views of the iconic structure alongside the Thames riverscape.

• Location: 16th Floor, Art’otel London Battersea Power Station, London SW11 8BJ
• Best For: Culinary enthusiasts, architectural appreciation
• Price Range: £££-££££

The 16th-floor location provides sufficient elevation to appreciate London’s skyline while remaining close enough to observe the architectural details of the regenerated power station.

Under the guidance of acclaimed Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, JOIA brings Iberian-inspired gastronomy to the sky. The bar program follows similar principles, with an extensive selection of Portuguese wines, Spanish sherries, and Mediterranean-influenced cocktails.

The Algarve Sunset—combining white port, rosemary-infused gin, and citrus—stands out as a particular specialty that complements the venue’s aesthetic.

The design incorporates natural materials and earth tones with strategic lighting that enhances both the interior atmosphere and the exterior views as daylight fades.

A retractable glass roof section ensures comfortable use regardless of weather conditions, while strategically placed heaters extend the outdoor season substantially.

Atmospheric Urban Retreats

Take a look at our selection of London’s best rooftop bars below for cozy urban escapes with great vibes:

The Aviary

The Aviary transforms the concept of a rooftop bar through seasonal adaptability, maintaining its appeal throughout London’s variable climate.

• Location: 10th floor, Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
• Best For: After-work gatherings, winter rooftop experience
• Price Range: £££

During summer months, the spacious terrace offers comfortable seating with views across Finsbury Square and the City skyline.

The winter transformation introduces transparent igloos equipped with heating, blankets, and dedicated service buttons, creating intimate “rooms with a view” for small groups of 6-8 guests.

The cocktail program changes quarterly with themed menus that often draw inspiration from British literary classics or London’s historical periods.

The current “Victorian Ventures” menu features drinks named after iconic London landmarks, incorporating period-appropriate spirits and contemporary techniques.

The bar maintains an extensive gin selection, with over 50 varieties available, complemented by a knowledgeable staff prepared to guide selections.

The venue strikes an effective balance between accessibility and exclusivity; while reservations are recommended, particularly for the winter igloos (which require booking 8-10 weeks in advance), a portion of the space remains available for walk-in guests, making spontaneous visits feasible during weekday afternoons.

Sabine

Sabine positions itself as an “urban oasis” and delivers on this promise through thoughtful design incorporating abundant plant life, natural materials, and separated seating areas that create intimate spaces within the larger venue.

• Location: 7th floor, Leonardo Royal Hotel, 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ
• Best For: Iconic views, relaxed sophistication
• Price Range: £££

The location offers remarkable proximity to St Paul’s Cathedral—so close that photographs often create the illusion that guests could reach out and touch its dome.

The bar program emphasizes botanical influences, with a seasonal cocktail menu highlighting fresh herbs, fruit infusions, and floral elements.

The Cathedral Garden (gin, elderflower, cucumber, mint) and Dome View (vodka, peach, rosemary, prosecco) reference the iconic neighbor while delivering distinctive flavor profiles.

A carefully curated wine list focuses on small producers and sustainable viticulture practices.

Food options extend beyond typical bar snacks to include substantial sharing plates influenced by Mediterranean cuisine.

The acoustics have been carefully engineered to permit conversation even when the venue operates at capacity, addressing a common complaint about rooftop environments and making Sabine particularly suitable for those seeking vibrant atmosphere without overwhelming noise levels.

The Rooftop at The Standard

 

The Standard Hotel brings its distinctive brand of sophisticated coolness to London’s rooftop scene with a venue that balances style and substance.

• Location: 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8NP
• Best For: Contemporary vibes, convenient location
• Price Range: £££

Located steps from King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations, this rooftop offers convenience without sacrificing quality, making it especially suitable for travelers or cross-city meet-ups.

The bar distinguishes itself with a champagne tap system offering prosecco and champagne “on draft,” ensuring consistent temperature and ideal carbonation.

The cocktail program leverages this feature with a selection of sparkling cocktails alongside more traditional offerings. The Pancras Fizz (gin, elderflower, cucumber, mint, topped with prosecco) has quickly become a signature, referencing the neighboring station.

The design embraces a 1970s aesthetic with contemporary updates, featuring bold colors, geometric patterns, and modular seating that can be reconfigured to accommodate different group sizes.

A retractable awning system provides shade and weather protection while preserving the open-air feeling that defines the rooftop experience.

Best Rooftop Bars in London For Vibrant Social Destinations

Take a look at our selection of London’s best rooftop bars, perfect for lively gatherings and socializing:

Madison

Madison has established itself as one of London’s most photographed rooftop destinations, owing to its unparalleled views of St Paul’s Cathedral and a highly developed social media presence.

• Location: One New Change, London EC4M 9AF
• Best For: Lively atmosphere, iconic views
• Price Range: £££

The venue capitalizes on its visual appeal with a dedicated “viewing terrace” positioned to capture the perfect Cathedral backdrop.

The bar maintains a high-energy atmosphere, particularly during weekend evenings when DJs perform and the space transitions from after-work drinks venue to nightlife destination.

An extensive cocktail menu balances crowd-pleasing classics with signature creations such as the Rooftop Spritz (aperol, passion fruit, prosecco) and St Paul’s Sour (bourbon, red wine reduction, egg white, lemon).

Madison operates a tiered reservation system with minimum spends applied to premium tables with optimal views.

Visitors should note that the venue implements a more selective door policy during peak hours (Thursday-Saturday evenings), with smart casual dress strongly encouraged and large groups subject to advanced booking requirements.

Bar Elba

Named after the Mediterranean island where Napoleon was exiled, Bar Elba creates a vacation atmosphere in central London with colorful decor, festoon lighting, and tropical-influenced design elements.

• Location: Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UL
• Best For: Casual gatherings, seasonal adaptability
• Price Range: ££

The proximity to Waterloo Station makes this an exceptionally convenient meeting point, particularly for groups traveling from different parts of the city.

The venue demonstrates remarkable seasonal adaptability, transforming from summer beach club to winter wonderland complete with a rooftop ice rink during colder months.

The cocktail program follows similar transitions, offering frozen drinks and spritzes during summer, then pivoting to mulled wine varieties and hot cocktails when temperatures drop.

Bar Elba maintains a more accessible price point than many central London rooftops, with regular happy hour offers and package deals for groups.

The atmosphere remains deliberately unpretentious, with communal tables encouraging social interaction and a relaxed approach to reservations that accommodates both planned gatherings and impromptu visits.

Los Mochis London City

Among London’s newest premium rooftop destinations, Los Mochis impresses with sheer scale, occupying 14,000 square feet of the Broadgate development.

• Location: 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool St, London EC2M 2AT
• Best For: Spacious layout, fusion dining
• Price Range: £££

This expansive footprint allows for distinct zones including a main bar area, dining section, and lounge spaces, each with different atmospheres but united by the Tokyo-meets-Tulum design concept.

The bar program reflects the culinary fusion approach with Japanese and Mexican influences evident throughout.

Signature cocktails incorporate ingredients such as yuzu, sakura, mezcal, and chili, often presented with artistic garnishes that reference both cultures.

The Sakura Margarita (tequila, cherry blossom, lime, agave) exemplifies this cross-cultural approach.

The venue’s size makes it particularly suitable for larger gatherings, with dedicated areas available for semi-private events without requiring exclusive hire of the entire space.

Reservations operate on a staggered release schedule, with prime weekend slots becoming available 8 weeks in advance and typically filling within days.

Alternative Rooftop Experiences in London

If you’re on the hunt for some amazing rooftop bars in London with a twist, we’ve got some great ones to check out for a unique experience.

Netil360

Netil360 represents East London’s creative spirit, operating as both a public rooftop and a community space that hosts arts events, workshops, and cultural programming.

• Location: Netil House, 1 Westgate St, London E8 3RL
• Best For: Creative atmosphere, local community
• Price Range: ££

The venue maintains a deliberately unfussy aesthetic with reclaimed furniture, potted plants, and simple wooden structures creating a relaxed environment that contrasts with the polished corporate feel of many City rooftops.

The beverage program emphasizes local producers, with London craft beers, small-batch spirits from East London distilleries, and natural wines from independent importers.

Cocktails follow seasonal trends with an emphasis on sustainability and minimal waste.

The Hackney Highball (local gin, cucumber, elderflower tonic) showcases the neighborhood focus that defines the venue’s approach.

Unlike many London rooftops, Netil360 operates a first-come, first-served policy with no reservations, creating a more spontaneous atmosphere.

The venue permits guests to bring their own food (though not beverages), with many visitors ordering from the independent food vendors located in the markets below and bringing their selections to the roof.

Pergola Paddington

Pergola Paddington has redefined the concept of a rooftop venue by functioning as a curated food and drink market under open skies.

• Location: 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY
• Best For: Group gatherings, casual dining
• Price Range: ££

The space accommodates multiple independent food vendors operating concurrently, offering visitors diverse culinary options from a single location.

The central bar serves a comprehensive beverage selection, focusing on accessible crowd-pleasers rather than mixology innovation.

The design employs long communal tables and bench seating, creating a convivial atmosphere that encourages social interaction.

The retractable roof system ensures comfortable use regardless of weather conditions, while extensive planting and wooden structures create defined spaces within the larger venue.

Pergola particularly excels at accommodating larger groups, with a straightforward booking system that allocates tables based on party size.

The venue strikes an effective balance between organization and relaxed atmosphere, with booked tables held for specific time slots but minimal formality once guests are seated.

Planning Your Rooftop Experience: Choosing the Best Rooftop Bars in London

When selecting from London’s extensive rooftop options, consider these practical factors to ensure your experience matches expectations:

• Elevation and Views: True heights vary significantly, from Madison’s 6th floor to Sushisamba’s 39th. Higher doesn’t always mean better—lower rooftops often provide more intimate views of specific landmarks.
• Weather Contingencies: London’s climate necessitates backup plans. Venues with retractable roofs or substantial indoor spaces (like Pergola Paddington or The Aviary) offer greater reliability during unpredictable weather.
• Reservation Policies: Practices range from Netil360’s walk-in-only approach to Sushisamba’s mandatory reservations with deposits for prime times. Research booking requirements well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and special occasions.
• Time of Visit: Most rooftops transform throughout the day. Early evening typically offers the best combination of daylight views, atmospheric lighting, and manageable crowds before peak nighttime periods.
• Dress Codes: Standards vary considerably, from Sushisamba’s smart requirements to Netil360’s anything-goes approach. When uncertain, smart-casual attire typically ensures entry across most venues.

London’s rooftop scene continues to diversify, evolving into an exciting variety of venues, each uniquely tailored to suit nearly any taste, mood, or special event.

Whether your ideal setting involves sipping elegantly crafted cocktails against the dramatic backdrop of London’s most famous landmarks, immersing yourself in vibrant and energetic atmospheres ideal for mingling and socializing, or unwinding in comfortable and casual community-oriented spaces, the city’s elevated venues offer distinctive and memorable experiences.

Beyond simply providing a new vantage point from lofty heights, these rooftop spaces give visitors fresh and inspiring views of the urban landscape, enriching their appreciation of London both literally and figuratively.